Residents flee Beirut suburbs after Israeli escalation warning

Residents have begun leaving the southern suburbs of Beirut after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled an escalation in attacks against Lebanon.

An AFP correspondent reported people fleeing the area, while Lebanese security sources told Reuters that evacuations are underway.

Despite the rising tensions, Israeli strikes have largely avoided Beirut and its surroundings since the 16 April truce, with the exception of a targeted attack on a Hezbollah commander earlier this month.

Netanyahu did not clarify in his video message whether Israel intends to resume broader strikes on the Lebanese capital.